Bamenda-Ndop road: amba fighters uplift ban after three months

By Nukapuh P.

Movements have effectively resumed along the Bamenda-Ndop highway in the North West region.

This comes three months after Ambazonian fighters in the locality sent a voice message on social media on Monday February 13, 2023, announcing that the ban has been uplifted and vehicles can start plying the road.

CNA gathered that many people in Ngoketunjia, Donga Mantung and Bui divisions were still not certain with the information until Wednesday February 15th when the road was really busy.

At Mobile Nkwen, where there is a popular moto park, some drivers said they are happy with the decision though they regretted that they have gone through a lot during the last three months by using the West region to arrive the three divisions.

“I’m very happy with the decision. We were forced to go through Bambalang to the West before reaching Bamenda in a day, even on bad roads,” a driver who preferred to be called Ernest said.

The driver also revealed that they have been instructed to collect only F CFA 2,500 from all passengers who are travelling to Ndop.

The decision has been welcomed by inhabitants of these divisions who have been spending up to F CFA 15,000 and above to reach their home towns in the last three months.

During this period, three vehicles transporting foodstuffs were set on fire in Bamesssing village in Ndop, allegedly by Ambazonian fighters who said the drivers violated their decision.

In November 2022, movement along the highway was halted, after the fighters of the “Ambazonia independent country” made an announcement on social media.

Their aim was that authorities of Ngoketunjia redeploy elements of the Rapid Intervention Battalion, who were stationed in Bamesssing village. It is however not clear if the soldiers left the area before the decision was modified.

Read also: Security forces record setback along Bamenda-Mbengwi road